Rangers & Yankees Resume Rivalry On TXA 21
FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - The memories are still fresh. Neftali Feliz froze Alex Rodriguez for a called third strike. The Texas Rangers, not the New York Yankees, hoisted the American League championship trophy. This time, it was the upstart Rangers and their fans doing the celebrating.
Do you think that the Bronx Bombers have forgotten?
That's what makes tonight's showdown between the Rangers and Yankees that much more exciting. You know New York's fans haven't forgotten. And they're going to let Texas know about it.
The Rangers picked up where they left off last year. The Rangers are 9-3 and have the best record in the American League. New York is right behind them at 7-4.
Friday night's game on TXA 21 features up-and-coming starters for both franchises.
Matt Harrison gets the starting pitching assignment for Texas. He's been brilliant to start the season, giving up only one run in each of his first two starts. In 14 innings of pitching, Harrison has allowed 7 hits and struck out 11 batters.
The Yankees will counter with Ivan Nova. Nova won his first start of the season against Minnesota. But his last outing against the Boston Red Sox was rough. Nova gave up 4 runs and 7 hits while pitching 4 1/3 innings.
Texas leads the league with a staff ERA of 2.55. That's more than 2 runs better than New York's 4.73 ERA. Rangers pitchers have only allowed 7 home runs this season. That's the best in the American League. Both pitching staffs will be put to the test.
The Rangers come in to the contest with the third best batting average in the American League at .269. But they are second in the league with 18 home runs this season. The league leader is the Yankees with 21 long balls.
Can the Rangers continue their winning ways against the Yankees? Friday's game will begin to answer that question. Friday Night Baseball on TXA 21 continues its second season with the marquee match up. Gina Miller and Mark McLemore will get you ready for the big game. Coverage on TXA 21 starts at 5:30 p.m. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. Gina and Mark will be back immediately after the final out for post-game analysis and interviews.
TXA 21 is your Friday night home for the American League champion Texas Rangers!
